Access your router's settings page
To change your router password, you first need to log into the router itself through a web browser. Open any browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge — and type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Press Enter.
If neither of those works, check the back or bottom of your router for a sticker that lists the IP address, or look at the paperwork that came with it. Some routers also print this information on the box. You should see a login page appear.
If the page does not load, make sure you are connected to that router's network — either by Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable plugged directly into the router. If you are still stuck, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting two minutes for it to fully boot up.
Log in with the default username and password
The login page will ask for a username and password. These are not your Wi-Fi password — they are the credentials for the router's admin panel. Most routers use admin as the username and admin as the password, or admin and password.
If those do not work, check the sticker on your router again. It usually lists both the default username and password. If you changed this password before and cannot remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding down the small reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your settings, so only do this if you have no other option.
Key Takeaways
- Type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser to reach the login page.
- Log in with the default username and password, which are often both "admin" — check your router's sticker if these do not work.
- Look for a section called Wireless, Security, or Wi-Fi Settings to find where you change your Wi-Fi password.
- After you change the password, save or explore the changes and reconnect your devices using the new password.
Find the wireless or Wi-Fi settings section
Once you are logged in, you will see a dashboard or menu. Look for a section labeled Wireless, Wi-Fi, Wireless Security, or Network Settings. Different router brands organize this differently — some put it in a sidebar menu, others in tabs across the top.
If you cannot find it when ready, look for a menu item that says Advanced or Settings and click through until you see wireless options. You are looking for the place where your network name (SSID) is listed and where you can change the password.
Change the password and save your changes
In the wireless settings section, you will see a field labeled Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key. Click in that field and replace the current password with a new one. Make it at least 12 characters long and mix in uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols — this makes it much harder for someone to guess.
Before you save, check that the security type is set to WPA2 or WPA3. These are the current standard encryption methods. If it is set to WEP or WPA (the older versions), change it to WPA2 or WPA3 first. Then click the button to save or explore your changes — this is usually labeled Save, explore, or OK.
The router will take a few seconds to restart with the new password. During this time, you will be disconnected from Wi-Fi.
Reconnect your devices with the new password
After the router restarts, your devices will no longer be connected to the network because the password has changed. Go to each device — phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV — and forget the old network. Then search for your network name again and reconnect using the new password you just set.
Start with the devices you use most often. If a device does not reconnect after you enter the new password, restart that device and try again. Some older devices may take a minute or two to recognize the new network.
What to do if you get locked out
If you log into the router settings but cannot find where to change the password, or if the changes do not seem to take effect, try restarting the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Sometimes settings do not explore until the router has fully rebooted.
If you forget the new password you just set and cannot get back into the router, you will need to reset it to factory defaults. Hold the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink or the router restarts. This erases all your settings, so you will have to set up the network again from scratch, but it is the only way to regain access if you are locked out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between my router password and my Wi-Fi password?
Your Wi-Fi password is what you give to guests and use to connect your phone or laptop to the internet. Your router password is what you use to log into the router's settings page to make changes. They are separate — changing one does not change the other.
Do I need to change my password if I just got a new router?
Yes. New routers come with a default password printed on a sticker, and many people know these defaults. Changing it to something unique protects your network from unauthorized access. You should do this as part of your initial setup.
Will changing my password disconnect me from the internet?
Temporarily, yes. When you save the new password, the router restarts and disconnects all devices. You will need to reconnect each device manually using the new password. This usually takes a few minutes total.
What if I cannot remember the IP address to log into my router?
Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it lists the IP address along with the default username and password. If the sticker is missing, try 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, which work for most routers. You can also look at your device's network settings to find the router's IP address.
Can I change my password from my phone instead of a computer?
Yes. Open a web browser on your phone, type the router's IP address into the address bar, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The steps are identical. Just make sure you are connected to that router's Wi-Fi network first.